The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), introduced by the Government of India on Independence Day in 1995, is a centrally funded scheme focused on social welfare and economic security. Rooted in Article 41 of the Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy, NSAP provides public assistance to individuals facing unemployment, old age, illness, or disability. The scheme specifically supports economically vulnerable individuals with minimal or no family financial assistance, as identified by States and Union Territories. By offering pension benefits and financial aid, NSAP aims to uplift the elderly, widowed, disabled, and unemployed poor, improving their living conditions.
The program underscores the government’s commitment to promoting social welfare and inclusion, ensuring a foundational level of economic security for India’s most disadvantaged citizens. Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), the government provides financial assistance of Rs. 500 per month to eligible senior citizens, widows, and disabled persons to support their basic needs. Additionally, under the Annapurna Scheme, beneficiaries receive food grains and cooking essentials to further aid in daily sustenance.
Overview
Government of India has launched the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) on Independence Day in 1995, inspired by Article 41 of the Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy. NSAP provides financial aid to individuals who lack sufficient income or family support, as identified by State and Union Territories. Initially, it included the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).
In 2007, NSAP expanded to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) people, renaming NOAPS to the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS). In 2009, additional schemes were introduced, including the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) for widows aged 40-64 and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) for people aged 18-64 with severe disabilities. NSAP upholds social security by supporting elderly, widowed, and disabled citizens across India.
Important Factor
| Name of the Article | nsap.nic.in 2024 New List |
| Name of the Scheme | NSAP Scheme 2024 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1995, on Independence Day, to support vulnerable individuals |
| Objective | To provide financial aid for the economically weak without family support |
| Legal Foundation | Based on Article 41 and Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Initial Schemes | National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), Family Benefit, and Maternity Benefit Schemes |
| Beneficiary Identification | States and Union Territories identify eligible, destitute individuals |
| Renaming of NOAPS | Renamed as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) in 2007 |
| 2009 New Schemes | Introduced Widow Pension (IGNWPS) and Disability Pension (IGNDPS) schemes |
| Widow Pension Eligibility | For widows aged 40-64 under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme |
| Disability Pension Eligibility | For severely disabled individuals aged 18-64 under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme |
| Social Security Focus | Prioritizes elderly, widowed, and disabled citizens’ economic and social security |
| Funding | Fully funded by the central government to support social welfare |
| Core Principle | Aims to enhance inclusion and economic support for vulnerable citizens |
| Official Website | https://nsap.nic.in/ |
Objective of NSAP Scheme
The objectives of NSAP Scheme are as follows:
- The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to vulnerable groups like senior citizens, widows, and disabled persons.
- The aim of the scheme is to enhance the standard of living for economically weak individuals with minimal or no family support.
- The scheme aims to provide a basic level of economic security for the elderly, widows, and disabled citizens.
- The objective of the scheme is to address the needs of those who are poor and without financial means, helping them live with dignity.
- The scheme aims to ensure that people from marginalized groups receive social and economic benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the NSAP Scheme are as follows:
General Criteria:
- Beneficiaries must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Assistance: Rs. 200 per month for those aged 60-79, Rs. 500 per month for those aged 80 and above.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):
- Age: 40 years or older.
- Assistance: Rs. 300 per month, increases to Rs. 500 per month after 80 years.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):
- Age: 18 years or older.
- Disability: 80% or more, including dwarfs.
- Assistance: Rs. 300 per month, increases to Rs. 500 per month after 80 years.
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS):
- Age of deceased breadwinner: 18-60 years.
- Assistance: Rs. 20,000 as a lump-sum to the household of the deceased.
Annapurna Scheme:
- Provides 10 kg of free food grains (wheat or rice) per month to eligible elderly not covered under IGNOAPS.
Type of Pension
The NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme) provides the following types of pensions:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
Benefits of Pension Scheme
The benefits of the NSAP Pension Scheme are as follows:
- The scheme provides regular financial assistance to elderly, widowed, and disabled individuals.
- The scheme helps beneficiaries meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
- It ensures a safety net for vulnerable groups who have no other financial support.
- It reduces dependence on family or others, promoting dignity and self-reliance.
- Supports Below Poverty Line (BPL) individuals, helping those most in need.
- Helps widows maintain their livelihood and independence.
- The scheme ensures elderly citizens not covered under IGNOAPS receive food grains for survival.
Required Documents
Following documents are required for the scheme:
- Proof of Age
- Aadhaar Card
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) Card
- Bank Account Details
- Disability Certificate (for IGNDPS)
- Widowhood Proof (for IGNWPS)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Residence Proof
Pension Amount
Pension Amount under NSAP follows as:
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
- Rs. 200 per month for individuals aged 60-79 years.
- Rs. 500 per month for individuals aged 80 years and above.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):
- Rs. 300 per month for widows aged 40-79 years.
- Rs. 500 per month for widows aged 80 years and above.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):
- Rs. 300 per month for disabled individuals aged 18-79 years with 80% disability.
- Rs. 500 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
- Includes dwarfs as eligible.
Search nsap.nic.in 2024 New List
To search nsap.nic.in the 2024 New List, please follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official NSAP Website.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “Reports” option.
Step 3: Now click on “State Dashboard” under the “List of Reports” section.
Step 4: Then select State, Scheme, Area and enter the Given code.
Step 5: Click on the “SUBMIT” button.
Step 6: A New list will appear on your screen.
Download State Wise List
| State/UT | State/UT |
| Andhra Pradesh | Odisha |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Punjab |
| Assam | Rajasthan |
| Bihar | Sikkim |
| Chhattisgarh | Tamil Nadu |
| Goa | Telangana |
| Gujarat | Tripura |
| Haryana | Uttar Pradesh |
| Himachal Pradesh | Uttrakhand |
| Jharkhand | West Bengal |
| Karnataka | Andaman & Nicobar |
| Kerala | Chandigarh |
| Madhya Pradesh | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| Maharashtra | Delhi |
| Manipur | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Meghalaya | Ladakh |
| Mizoram | Lakshadweep |
| Nagaland | Puducherry |
Contact Details
- Address: Department of Rural Development, National Social Assistance Programme Division, Krishi Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg, New Delhi – 110114
- Contact Number: 1800-111-555
- Email ID: mis-nsap[at]nic[dot]in
FAQs
What is NSAP?
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) provides financial assistance to elderly, widows, and disabled individuals from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Who is eligible for NSAP?
Individuals who are 60 years or older (for IGNOAPS), 40 years or older and widowed (for IGNWPS), or 18 years or older with 80% disability (for IGNDPS), and belong to BPL households.
What documents are required to apply for NSAP?
Proof of age, Aadhaar card, BPL card, bank account details, disability certificate (for IGNDPS), and widowhood proof (for IGNWPS).
How much pension will I receive?
Rs. 200-500 per month based on age and category (for senior citizens, widows, and disabled individuals).
How is the pension paid?
The pension is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account via Aadhaar-linked accounts.
Is there any age limit for applying for IGNOAPS?
Yes, the beneficiary must be 60 years or older to apply.
What is the Annapurna Scheme?
The Annapurna Scheme provides 10 kg of free food grains per month to elderly individuals not covered under IGNOAPS.